So… you might remember from our last post, that as much as we liked our “Gorilla Sample”, there were some specific areas where we felt that some changes were in order!
Probably the most obvious area we changed was the top edge of the front slip pocket, where you might notice that I’ve change the shape! I added a graceful curve here which is also reflected in the shape of the bag top and bag back.
My goal in changing the shape of this area is actually 3-fold:
1st– I needed to deepen this pocket so that my phone could be completely concealed within it.
2nd– In my estimation, the Bag Front needed a little something extra to add more visual interest.
3rd– the larger Slip Pocket area provides an even greater amount of space for showing off embroidery, piecework, or a cool focal print, (as in this bag at right).
And how could I feel comfortable with my phone being stored in that new “shapely” Slip Pocket, without an assurance that it would be safe there?
So first off– I included a magnetic snap near the top edge, as well as a closure. I can assure you that not much will escape this pocket now… least of all a phone!
So… here’s a couple more alternative looks at this sample.
Above left– a look at the Bag Back with the same curved top edge
& our translucent zipper give the illusion of more contrast trim!
Above right– is a glancing side view of the Bag Front
& the recessed zipper protecting your main storage area!
And here’s 2 overhead-type shots giving you a better look at the recessed zipper,
& also the interior slip pocket I added for this round (you can see it in the photo above right).
And finally- a word about this fabric.
This fabric is a product of QT Fabrics and I got it several years ago, although I never seemed to have a project that seemed “right for it. For this sample, I used 3 fabrics from the same collection from QT Fabrics… a large bluish print, a smaller bluish print & a contrasting print in a shade of melon. I wish I could give you more information, but there was really nothing extra supplied on the selvage.
And now…. it’s YOUR turn!
I’d love to know what you think of this design thus far. Does this bag seem like one you might enjoy carrying? And if you have comments you’d like to share, suggestions you’d like to make, or questions you’d like to ask about this design in general or this sample in specific, please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.
Check out the best sewing pins with me on Pinterest, join in on discussions or show off your work in our FaceBook Group, or get your daily sewing fix on our Facebook Business Page or the behind the scenes scoops on Instagram! And don’t forget to check out our video tips & tricks on our You Tube Channel and be the 1st to know about new patterns, discount codes and sample sales by signing up for “Bag Making is Fun”, our bi-monthly newsletter.
32 Comments
Join Our Mailing List!
Click button below to get 15% off your 1st pattern!
I like the new revisions. However, I’m a little concerned over the open areas surrounding the inside zipper, for security reasons, I would prefer it to be more closed and not leave it open to wandering hands.
I agree Charlene. That’s going to require a revision on the next sample! 🙂
I like the change to the curved top. This makes it different than the other totes that are out there.
Glad to hear this Kim. I thought so too! 🙂
Kat please take it easy. You are an amazing person who lovve to give us excitement. I will attending the Houston Quilt show and bring three newbies also showing off your pattern see in three weeks
I’ll be there! Wear one of our bag designs to the show and get 10% off your WHOLD show purchase at our booth! 🙂
I love the new design. The curved top adds to it/ About the straps–is it a shoulder bag? Are the straps going to be adjustable?
So glad to hear you like the new design Barbara! in answer to your question, this is a shoulder bag with 2 straps, which normally in this instance, are not adjustable. you could make them adjustable by adding a slide to each strap, but I would recommend instead, that you add or subtract the length of the straps based on your personal preference. 🙂
Somehow there is too much going on…. too many edges going different directions. Perhaps it’s just the fabric…..the straps are distracting. They seem to overwhelm the bag.
Thanks for commenting Sharon. I know not everyone likes to see a mixture of prints and that’s perfectly fine. Do stay tuned for more posts as we’re definitely not thru modifying this design! 🙂
With the bit of revision on the inside zipper, I WILL BE purchasing this one! This bag is right up my alley and I cannot wait to get my paws on that pattern! Get lots of rest next month and I look forward to the final bag and pattern release.
Thank you so much for your kind words and especially your best wishes! 🙂
I’m glad to see you agree the gaps around the zipper needs to be closed up. I always like to cut down on weight of the purse and therefore like to eliminate carrying a wallet if I can. The photos don’t show the interior very well, are there several credit card slots in the zippered area? If not, that I is what I would like to see.
Thanks for your comments Chris!! I currently don’t have plans for credit card slots on the interior, although there’s LOTS of room on the inside to add them if you like! 🙂 Do stay tuned for more?
Absolutely!
And otherwise it is a very pretty bag, very attractive in my opinion. I like the exterior design. Sorry I didn’t include this initially in my comments. Looks good.
No sweat and I’m so glad you like it!
HI:
First, good luck with your surgery and hope you have quick recovery.
Love the look of the bag. I agree with other comments about the zipper closure. I would want it to be a full closure. I would also like a zippered pocket inside the bag. Could you please provide the bag dimensions.
Thank you.
Irene
Thanks Irene, my last knee went well, so I’m hoping this one will too! As for the dimensions currently are 11″ wide X 8″ tall X 4.5″, although this could be subject to change. 🙂
Good luck with the surgery.
I think the size is good. I like that it is wider than tall. Easier to see into the space. Seems like the depth of 4.5 should be good too.
Thanks for commenting Chris! 🙂
I, personally love this new bag, and will purchase the pattern! As a reply to Sharon’s comments, it is up to you what fabrics you use – if you think the straps are too distracting, use the same fabric as your front. Just because you’re following a pattern does not mean that you MUST use the same fabric choices or even put the same types of trims on YOUR bag as the designer does. The beauty of making something is making it your own, by your fabric choices, colors, and even modifying the design if you choose.
Thanks for the nice comments Vreni! I know that not every bag I make will ring true to everyone else’s design sensibilities. But that’s why I make MULTIPLE samples, so that hopefully one of them will prove to be irresistible! 😀 Stay tuned for more?
Love this bag!. Only things I could think of are, like someone else said, CC slots. But I also like to have a zippered pocket or two on the inside of my bags. And I always add a tall narrow pocket to hold a few pens. But that is just me. Thanks for keeping up on new things for us, and take care of your knee.
I love it!
LOVE hearing this! 🙂
I really like this pattern. I have been wanting a bag on which I can use some of my machine embroidery designs, other than one that looks like a tote bag. I would also add an inside zipper pocket–with so many cars now only requiring a key be in close proximity, having my keys securely and always ready in my bag leaves one less thing to corral when leaving home.
I like just storing my key fob in my bag as well. I never leave home without my bag, so this way, I never have to worry about doing so. 🙂
I worry about the magnet on the phone pocket. It may affect the phone. Maybe Velcro would be better.
Thanks Ingrid! But you know, I’ve been carrying a phone in a bag pocket with a magnet for oh-so-many years, without problems, but you know what? Having said that, it would be a very easy substitution for anyone to use Velcro instead of a magnet! 🙂
Love the idea of a CC card slots, but not a deal breaker. A zippered pocket inside the bag would be a great idea as well as the zipper area on top cover more area. Really nice bag and shaped a little different than some other over the shoulder bags.
Will be keeping you in my prayers as you go into surgery. Take it slow and listen to the doctors and all will be well (with God watching over you). Great job, as always, keep up the good work.
Great comments Barbara and I appreciate the best wishes for a succesful surgery!
🙂 However, I dread it so!